Album Review: Fortress - Don't Spare The Wicked

Fortress - Don't Spare The Wicked

High Roller Records - 2021

8/10

The California based band Fortress are one that somehow completely missed my radar a couple of years ago, but as they say, better late than pregnant. Having gained some mild traction with an EP leading up to that, it was 2021's debut full-length that really made an impact on me. Titled Don't Spare The Wicked, this is a solid slab of heavy metal that's here and gone before even touching the thirty minute mark. We love a band that can make an impact in such a small frame of time.

And that's precisely what Fortress does. They may stick to the traditional metal backbone for the majority of this run, however I'd be lying if I said power metal influences of the European flavor didn't make their way in. Paired with rhythms ranging from steady to bordering speed metal are an overload of falsetto vocals, as well as the occasional synth-coat for a sweeter layer. For an album of such a short runtime, they also really enjoy baking soft centers into the heavier tracks to contrast the heavier chugs. All of this comes together to work as what feels like one strong narrative under a mythological and historic scope.

I'll admit, some of the shifts in tone can be a bit shaky, and that might have something to do with how much is crammed into the short runtime. The vocals also dominate a lot of this, and while they're extremely competent and sharp, it can feel overwhelming. However, the general idea hits, and it hits hard. "Anguish" is a fine example of jumping all over the power metal sphere in tempo and delivery alike, while opener "Lost Forever" is a more streamlined attack with the leads and synths remaining consistent. To the opposite end, "Red Light Runner" stays in the fast lane (pun intended), emphasizing the ability to crank out speed metal chops without letting up, topped off with several wavy solos. My favorite might be the title track, closing things out on a note that teeters epic territory; I just wish "The Passage" interlude felt a little more connected to it.

It's early in the band's career, but Don't Spare The Wicked is a strong debut that boasts some of the greatest foundations for what could be an incredible record. It's rare that I say an album needs a little more fluff rather than less, but I only mean this in a way that molds things together ever so slightly; what we have is a lot of great ideas that just need to stick together a little better with some fine-tuning. Anybody who digs the channels of early Helloween or the newer acts in line with Starlight Ritual should find something to gain here. If not, at least you didn't spend much time on it.